July 17, 2002, Fact Sheets - Outdoor water ban and advisory issued for York Region

July 17, 2002 For Immediate Release

York Region harmonized outdoor water use bylaws

York Regional Council has recommended the following protocols for implementing stages of water use restriction.

For Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe supply areas, which covers Vaughan (except Kleinburg), Richmond Hill, Markham, Georgina, Keswick and Sutton:

An Outdoor Water Use Advisory will be in effect if water storage levels cannot be maintained at 75% of capacity.

An Outdoor Water Use Ban will be in effect if water storage levels in reservoirs cannot be maintained at 50% of capacity.

Non-Essential Use Restrictions will be in effect if Level Three drought conditions as determined by York Region Low Water Response Team and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources take place.

For groundwater supply areas, which covers Aurora, Newmarket, Holland Landing, Queensville, Sharon, Mount Albert, Ballantrae, Stouffville, King City, Kleinburg, Nobleton and Schomberg:

An Outdoor Water Use Advisory will be in effect if continuous operation of pumping systems is required to meet demand.

An Outdoor Water Use Ban will be in effect if water storage levels in reservoirs cannot be maintained at 65% of capacity.

Non-Essential Use Restrictions will be in effect if Level Three drought conditions as determined by York Region Low Water Response Team and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources take place.

For more information on the Regional Municipality of York, the services we offer and links to our nine area municipalities, please visit our Web site at: www.region.york.on.ca

Contact: Michael Kemp, Corporate Communications Services, York Region

- (905) 830-4444 or 1-877-464-9675, ext. 1232

- Email: michael.kemp@region.york.on.ca

Fact Sheet

July 17, 2002 For Immediate Release

Water Efficiency Tips

Refrain from heavy lawn watering. Lawns only require 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water. Less frequent watering will encourage grass to set deeper roots, where more moisture and nutrients are found.

To prevent evaporation, water your lawn late in the evening or early in the morning.

When cutting your lawn, leave the grass at least 8 cm (3 inches) long to provide shade for the roots.

Leave grass clippings on the lawn to increase organic matter. Grass is 80 per cent water and readily decomposes.

If you need to wash your car, use a bucket and sponge and rinse quickly using a spray nozzle. Better still, go to a car wash � it's more environmentally friendly.

Don't overfill swimming pools. Fill it to 15 to 20 cm (7 to 8 inches) from the top, and cover to prevent evaporation.

Never leave a hose running. A running hose can waste up to 180 litres (40 gallons) of water in just five minutes.

Check for and repair leaks in outdoor faucets, pipes and hoses. Leaks result in lost water and reduce water pressure.

For details on the Regional Municipality of York, the services we offer and links to our nine area municipalities, please visit our Web site at: www.region.york.on.ca

For details on York Region's award-winning Water for Tomorrow program that promotes and recognizes water conservation efforts, please visit www.water4tomorrow.com